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Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, Bracciano

Orsini-Odescalchi Castle, Bracciano

Near Rome, on the southern shore of Lake Bracciano, there is a small cozy town of Bracciano – an actual oasis in the Italian outback. Its most important attraction that has been known outside Italy for quite some time is an old castle called Castello Orsini-Odescalchi. This magnificent ancient fortress is still private property. It is managed by Maria della Pace, the owner, and member of a family that has a long history. Thanks to her the castle is in excellent condition, the venue serves as places for various celebrations, cultural events, and movie shootings.

History of Bracciano’s castle

Back in the 10th century, a watchtower that helped to prevent Saracens’ attacks occupied its spot. A settlement appeared around it. Later on, another family named Prefetti di Vico built a new, much stronger construction. During the next years the owners and the exterior had been changing, the area had been expanding with new buildings. Condottiere Napoleon Orsini who had three popes and over 300 cardinals in his family contributes to the prosperity of the castle. At the time this village that had grown around the walls and consisted of fishers and farmers became a developed town, and its castle – one of the most reinforced fortress in Europe. It, however, lost its significance in the 17th century and was sold to the Duke Odescalchi whose descendants preserved the construction for next generations. Castello Orsini-Odescalchi has been opened to the public since the 20th century.

Castle museum

Exhibition halls are located in the northern wing. You can find a vast collection of weaponry dating back to 15th–17th century and Etruscan artifacts found on Bracciano territory. Curious visitors will enjoy the Science Hall and a medieval kitchen. Once you get to the top of the watchtower, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the surrounding area and Lake Bracciano.

Fun facts

It has always been quite a common case for the Odescalchi Castle to have prominent guests. Even popes and kings happened to stay here. Many important present-day personalities that let the fate tie them with Bracciano one way or another. A wedding of Isabella Rossellini and Martin Scorsese as well as Eros Ramazzotti and Michelle Hunziker was held inside the castle. In 2006 Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got married here too. A famous opera movie called “Lucia di Lammermoor” was shot in the Bracciano fortress.

How to get

You can reach Bracciano from Rome by train. You can take one at the Ostiense station, it arrives every 30 minutes. By bus is also an option – catch it on Via dei Pasqualetti.

Opening hours: Castello Orsini-Odescalchi is open from 10:00 till 17:00 every day. Specific rules apply to every visitor. Making photos and videos is forbidden, and you won’t be allowed into the building if you’re wearing shorts.

Admission: full ticket costs 8.50 euros, a reduced one – 6 euros.

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